Attracted By My Ex-wife

After breakfast that morning, Carl felt like he wanted to read something. He found that the best options on the bookshelf were "The Study of Names," The Book of Names," "The Meaning of Names," and related literature.

Now that he had nothing to worry about in respect of Kevin, it was his greatest, unfettered pleasure to give the child a name.

In fact, Carl had begun looking for names even before Ted was born. He had given it a lot of due consideration, treating it as a matter of great importance.

Now, time had passed so quickly that Ted was to turn one year old quite soon. Carl still hadn't thought of his favorite name yet.

"Fly, fly, fly, take to the sky and control the dark and light," Carl read slowly.

He read through, nodding in interest from time to time, saying to himself, "Oh, that is indeed a good one."

"Todd, Theodore, Nick," said Carl.

"Todd sounds best."

He eagerly picked up the phone and dialed Kevin.

"Kevin, I've thought of another name today," Carl said. His voice was full of excitement.

"Okay."

"'Todd'. What do you think of the name 'Todd'? I really think it's fantastic. Broach the topic with Anne," said Carl.

"Okay, I'll chat to her about it when I reach home after work. I'm sure she won't mind," said Kevin a little helpless.

"Well, that's all I called for. I'll give it a bit more thought as well. Bye," said Carl.

"Okay, we'll come visit you tomorrow!" Kevin answered.

"Don't worry yourself to visit. You just focus on your new baby. That's all."

After hanging up, Kevin rubbed his forehead, rather strained. He could not count how many times this had happened. Every time, Carl would be very satisfied with the name he had picked. Then it was just a matter of time before he changed his mind, yet again.

'What was it the last time? Maybe it was Gordon... Yes, and the time previous was Dennis.' Kevin recalled just a couple of the numerable times this had happened.

They knew that Carl had much love for the child. The kid's name hadn't been decided in finality just yet. So, for the time being, they just called him "Ted".

When people became very old, they started to behave as naively and erratically as small children. So Kevin and Anne just let it be. Fortunately, Carl at least did not suggest any crazy names. But now time was running out.

Ted slept soundly, completely unaware that he had been named and renamed so many times. Of course, it didn't even matter if he knew, because sooner or later, the name would be changed yet again. Just as it always happened...

The next day, Kevin and Anne paid a visit to the old house of the Fu Family with the baby. Carl had been waiting, sitting on the sofa. He was very pleased to see the trio.

This home was located quite close to a natural lake, but it was still quite close to the city center. Carl's foresight had made him see the value of the property, so he bought it when it was still selling at a low price. At first, they landscaped and planted large, beautiful trees. Next, they built a few smaller buildings around the property. Only then did they build this main house in the middle of it all. Even though many years had passed, it was well-maintained. With the rapid economic development in this particular area, it now became the new city center. This old house of the Fu Family was a peaceful place amidst the bustling neighborhood.

Let me have a good look at Ted." Carl made his way straight to them without any hesitation,

often. He affectionately nuzzled his face

sit and have a chat," Anne said, looking endearingly at the mischievous

held Ted lovingly in her arms.

Carl said, slightly

birthday party for Ted. Do

turning towards the kitchen to

a party as you please," said

don't have any objection. But there is

course. And his name..." Kevin broached the issue of real importance.

really not anticipated it would be so difficult for Ted to be given a final name. But he had felt Carl's persistence and genuine desire to properly name the kid after due consideration. He took it as

Carl. He thought the family would just continue to call Ted by this nickname for the time being. But he realized that they would

and give you the final name." Carl looked thoughtfully at the baby in

catch up, they sat down together for lunch. Afterwards, the two parents

out

too effeminate. He wanted a strong, masculine name for the boy. But a name that was too strong and powerful wouldn't be a good choice either. He thought that Ted wouldn't like such a domineering name when he grew up to a be a fine young man. So

list painstakingly, Carl had actually crossed out almost every name that he had picked. They just were not up to the standard he

one and felt a bit of anxiety

little boy's personality. His intentions were pure and he had

going to be upon them

just had to carry

morning of Ted's birthday arrived and the Fu Family servants were very busy

changing into a lovely set of clothing she had picked in advance specifically for this day. She got up and went to see the birthday boy,

bubbly, gurgling self

which Anne and Kevin had on but it was more comfortable so as to not irritate him. A much

her arms and made her way out of the room. He was a little restless in her arms, eager to play.

As Anne thought of this, a funny feeling

would have ever anticipated that such a decisive, assured and business-savvy man would

really love Ted deeply to

people were in attendance. Amidst the crowd were several people who wanted to become close to the Fu Family for business favors or for obtaining the opportunity to do business with them. It was not right to deny people access to the happy occasion, regardless of

who were clearly badly intentioned would have no chance to sneak in. All the people

to ensure the party was still a lovely, joyous occasion,

you ready?" Kevin knocked considerately at his

the guests have arrived. The party must

there in a

I'll wait

the room, Carl was straightening his clothes, ensuring he

them made their entrance into the banquet hall.